Lipetsk, Russia – An explosion has rocked a major Russian steelmaker in Lipetsk following a suspected drone attack. The incident occurred on the second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Authorities suspect Ukraine’s involvement in the attack, although Kyiv has not claimed responsibility.
In recent months, there has been an uptick in drone strikes on energy and military infrastructure in Russia, with Moscow often blaming Ukraine for the attacks. Ukrainian forces have reportedly used drones and missiles in widespread strikes on Russian civilian targets. The blaze at Novolipetsk Steel (NLMK), the primary production facility of the steel giant, was reportedly caused by a drone, according to Igor Artamonov, the Lipetsk regional governor. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported in the incident.
The plant, which specializes in flat steel products and accounts for 18 percent of total Russian steel production, is a crucial asset for Vladimir Lisin, a Russian billionaire. Ukrainian news outlet TSN has cited unnamed sources claiming that Ukraine’s Security Service and Main Intelligence Directorate targeted the plant, sparking a complete evacuation of workers. It is reported that the destruction of the site, which previously produced raw materials for nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, will render it inoperable for an extended period.
Russian Ministry of Defense reported shooting down two drones over the region where the incident occurred and intercepted two more in other nearby regions. Suspected Ukrainian drone strikes are increasingly targeting crucial infrastructure deeper inside Russia, including oil refineries. Recent drone attacks on Russian oil refineries have raised concerns about the security of vital installations.
Similar incidents of drone attacks have been reported in various regions, including Volgograd and St. Petersburg, with significant damage inflicted on oil facilities and refineries. In response, Russia launched Iranian-made attack drones on Ukraine’s southern oblasts, resulting in a series of clashes and missile strikes in different regions. The escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to pose a threat to both countries’ security and stability.